Tissue Thickness Compensator for Surgical Staplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments face challenges in effectively compensating for varying tissue thicknesses, leading to inconsistent staple formation and potential tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A tissue thickness compensator is integrated into the surgical stapler, which includes a compressible layer that adjusts to different tissue thicknesses, ensuring consistent staple formation and minimizing tissue damage by redistributing compressive forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional surgical stapler is used without a tissue thickness compensator, then the device structure remains simple, but inconsistent staple formation and tissue damage occur due to varying tissue thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
A tissue thickness compensator is introduced as an intermediary component between the stapler anvil and the tissue. This compensator includes a compressible layer that adapts to varying tissue thicknesses, ensuring consistent compression forces are applied during stapling regardless of tissue thickness variations, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple device structure and achieving consistent staple formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible layer of the tissue thickness compensator changes its compression parameter dynamically based on tissue thickness. When tissue thickness varies, the compressible layer adjusts its compression distance and force distribution, allowing the stapler to maintain consistent staple formation across different tissue thicknesses without requiring complex mechanical adjustments to the stapler itself.
2Productivity
If compressive force is applied directly to tissue of varying thicknesses, then the stapling process is efficient, but tissue damage occurs due to excessive compression on thinner areas
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue thickness compensator with its compressible layer provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing excess compression force before it reaches the tissue. The compressible layer deforms preferentially under applied compression, cushioning the tissue from excessive forces that would cause damage, particularly in thinner tissue areas, while still allowing efficient stapling to proceed.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible layer acts as an intermediary between the rigid anvil and the tissue, mediating the transmission of compressive forces. It distributes the compression force more evenly across the tissue surface, preventing concentration of stress on thinner areas that would lead to tissue damage, while maintaining overall stapling efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tissue thickness compensator ensures consistent staple formation across varying tissue thicknesses, reducing the risk of tissue damage and improving the efficiency of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible layer that adjusts to different tissue thicknesses, ensuring consistent staple formation and minimizing tissue damage by redistributing compressive forces
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of movable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of movable particles may comprise at least one medicament. A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of crushable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of crushable particles may comprise at least one medicament. The compressible core may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. The wrap may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.